mike.holmes's Full Review: John Sandford - Rules of Prey
At times, I feel as though I live in a vacuum. I love mystery novels. I read a lot of mystery novels and yet I've never read a John Sandford book. "Rules of Prey" is the first in a series of "Prey" novels that started in 1989 and now includes 16 books. At least, for once, I started with the first in a series.
THE PLOT
While not an original concept even in 1989 (and definitely used frequently since then), Sandford's plot device alternates chapters between the protagonist lead character, police detective Lucas Davenport, and the antagonist, killer-psychopath "Maddog" Louis Vullion. For much of the book, we don't know much about "Maddog" other than he is a sick, vicious killer.
From the very first page we learn that Maddog has killed before the book starts. We first find him in the midst of one the several gruesome murders he commits during the novel. Maddog is one sick killer whose victims follow a pattern in looks, size and gender. But, unfortunately, he's also a careful, intelligent killer who often has luck on his side.
The action takes place in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul where Lucas is a "lone wolf" type of detective on the police force. His methods are unusual, often beyond the "rules."
The entire novel involves the chase of Maddog by Davenport and the rest of the police force. Both characters are "game" players with Maddog's games being his killings. Davenport not only competes in complex board and computer games(re-enacting famous famous battles), but he also creates games for computers. His method of solving crimes also has a "game-like" mentality.
Lucas is romantically involved with two of the major female characters in the book so he keeps pretty busy.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
Sandford's plot and use of humor were both excellent but he really excelled in character development in the book. Both of the main characters are complex. Although it is easy to hate Maddog, Sandford gives us enough background to at least understand his madness. That in no way excuses his behavior, but Sandford does not simply paint the picture of a unthinking monster. Maddog is a thinking monster which is much more dangerous.
Lucas Davenport is even more complex. Although we approve of his results, his methods are often repulsive. He uses his "game" mentality in the solving of crimes and that method is often dangerous for potential victims of Maddog. Lucas is intelligent daring and a bit of a jerk toward the women in his life. In other words, he's not the usual flawless leading character.
I also like the fact that the main female characters in the book (all involved with Lucas) are strong ladies who don't take Lucas' nonsense. They give as good as they take.
We don't really get to "know" many of Maddog's victims but they are sympathetically portrayed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
After reading "Rules of Prey", I went out to out "used bookstore" and bought the next four books in the series. I was that impresses. FIVE STARS
This very first Prey novel that introduced Minneapolis cop Lucas Davenport is now repackaged, with a new Introduction by the #1 New York Times bestsel...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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